Preparing for a holiday away from home is a feat all in its own. Thankfully I have had lots of practice. My recommendations include shipping all gifts not going to that location by December 01, personally packing really light, and wrapping the final gifts once you get there.

As part of this pandemic I have been reading countless articles on how the fashion industry is coping. Sixty plus days in, the posts that seem to resonate the most within me are the ones with owner operated businesses sharing how they are shifting their business in this unprecedented time.

I can’t help it. For seventeen years straight I went to school every fall. While there are some years before school and certainly many more since graduating university, I still have the urge to shop. For back to school everything.

During the holidays, I do try and take a few days to wind down. Wine and beer glasses are enjoyed, bellies are full, and lounging and laughing in every home I’m welcomed into are full on. It’s very, very nice. But it’s a new day: Hello Boxing Day. 

Fashion friends, I’ve done the impossible. After thirty-one long mornings, days, and nights, I can proudly – and gushing with sweet relief – say that I have completed my no-spend January. Cue the extensive, raucous applause.

It’s confession time. It’s not so much a secret as more of an oddity. My stomach is a bit in knots because I feel a bit like a traitor. See, these days, I’ve been rocking underwear that I didn’t get at a ladies store. Nah. I’m wearing the tight white variety that I purchased in the men’s section.

Fashion friends, as you all know, I am in the midst of a “no spend January.” I’m at the halfway mark and appear to be keeping it together. At least that’s what I’m telling my partner. See I’ve still been lusting over wish list items; it’s just that - and here's the twist - I haven’t been buying them.

How’d Black Friday and Cyber Monday go for you? Get a tonne of stuff? Oooooooo, I bet you did. Now that you’re loose and warmed up for the holiday gift-giving spree, may I provide a suggestion? For those left on your nice – or naughty – list, why not get a gift that actually gives?

As we approach Canada’s 150th birthday this weekend I am full of mixed emotions. On the one hand I know how privileged I am to be born and live in this country. On the other I’m becoming more aware of its painful history. Specifically, I am mindful of the human cost that has got us to this point. All in all, I’m caught somewhere between pride, gratefulness, and guilt.

Oh the mall. What a great thing. Gathering a whole schwack of stores in one location, paired with amenities such as services, restaurants, and entertainment is an easy way to attract many people. There’s something for everyone: shopping, movie theatres, kid play zones, comfy chairs, and maybe even your dentist.

I double-checked my calendar and we officially started December 21. For the past few weeks all your buddies have been telling me – pleading really – to see that it’s almost over. They are saying that we are nearly done. Remember when I told you that I’d be honest with you? You do? Okay then. I’m so confused.

When you hear the phrase, “The one that got away,” what do you think of? Long lost lovers that you parted ways with yet contemplate now and then? A pet that’s gone that you still mourn for many years later? Or even a vacation you decided to pass on because you feared going away for too long? Turns out I’m not romantic.